GCAP Countries – UK, Italy, Japan Unveil Their Sixth-Generation Fighter Jet Model for the First Time

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Three nations part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) – the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan – have unveiled their future fighter jet model at the ongoing Farnborough International Air Show 2024.

Presenting the sixth-generation fighter jet model for the first time, GCAP member nations and involved companies, including BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan), showcased advancements in their program to develop the next-generation fighter aircraft.

The future fighter jet model displayed at the defense exhibition highlights larger wing sections designed to enhance its aerodynamic capabilities.

Herman Claesen, Managing Director of Future Combat Air Systems at BAE Systems, noted significant progress in the GCAP program since its inception 18 months ago.

“Since the program’s launch 18 months ago, we have closely collaborated with our industry partners in Italy and Japan under a cooperative agreement, as well as with the three involved governments, to understand the requirements for the future fighter jet,” Claesen said.

“The new model, showcased for the first time at the Farnborough International Air Show, demonstrates progress in the design and concept of this future aircraft. We will continue to test and evolve the fighter jet design to advance the program to its next stage.”

 

Guglielmo Maviglia, GCAP Program Director at Leonardo, emphasized the program’s steady progress, bolstered by commitments from collaborative partners.

Meanwhile, Hitoshi Shiraishi, a senior fellow at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, described the program’s advancements as truly remarkable.

The developing fighter jet is expected to take flight by 2035, emerging as one of the most advanced and sophisticated fighter jets globally, equipped with cutting-edge weapon systems and next-generation radar technology.

The GCAP-developed fighter jets will feature interoperability, adaptability, connectivity, an intelligent weapons system, a software-driven interactive cockpit, integrated sensors, and a next-generation radar providing significantly more data than current systems.

The GCAP initiative is a highly strategic effort, combining the strengths of the UK, Italy, and Japan to develop a future fighter jet.

The program aims to enhance security, political, and economic progress for the participating nations, creating thousands of high-skill jobs and advancing industrial and technological expertise.

In the United Kingdom, the future fighter jet being developed under the GCAP will be known as the “Tempest.”

Key companies involved in the program include BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan), along with contributions from companies such as Avio Aero, ELT Group, IHI, MBDA, Mitsubishi Electric, and Rolls-Royce.

The GCAP program, involving these three nations, aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and Mitsubishi F-2 currently in service with the Royal Air Force, Italian Air Force, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force. – DSA